Awareness and Attitude of First Aid Seizures Management among Medical Undergraduate Students, Tobruk University, Libya

TL;DR

This study found that medical students at Tobruk University have significant gaps in their knowledge of proper first aid for seizures, including incorrect beliefs about treatment and causes.

Contribution

The study identifies specific misconceptions and knowledge gaps among medical students regarding seizure first aid, emphasizing the need for improved education.

Findings

72.9% of students correctly identified a seizure, but 41.6% incorrectly believed inserting objects into a seizing person's mouth is first aid.

Only 23.6% of students knew the correct semiprone position to prevent choking during a seizure.

Some students attributed seizures to supernatural causes, indicating a need for better education on epilepsy management.

Abstract

Adequate knowledge of first aid for seizures is crucial for medical students, who will eventually be responsible for managing epilepsy patients. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness and attitudes of medical undergraduate students at Tobruk University regarding first aid seizure management.

A cross-sectional study was initiated in July 2023 using an online questionnaire that was prevalidated. The questionnaire gathered data on sociodemographic features, a knowledge of seizures and epilepsy, first aid practices, and attitudes toward epilepsy among 317 medical undergraduate students.

While 72.9% of students correctly identified a seizure, there were different beliefs about causes, such as some that attributed seizures to supernatural causes (14.2%). There were also deficiencies seen in the knowledge of epilepsy management that included antiepileptic drug treatment duration. It was alarming that 41.6% of students thought that the insertion of some objects into the mouth of a person having a seizure was first aid, which is a well-known hazardous approach. Only 23.6% were correct in the answers that involved the placement of the person in a semiprone position to prevent choking.

The study at Tobruk University revealed significant knowledge gaps among medical students about seizure management, with 72.9% correctly identifying a seizure's basic definition, but 41.6% incorrectly believing that inserting objects into a seizing person's mouth is helpful, and only 23.6% knowing the correct first aid position. Students also demonstrated misconceptions about epilepsy causes, including supernatural beliefs, highlighting an urgent need for targeted educational interventions to improve understanding and prepare future health care professionals.